For many of us, the corner drugstore was the first place we bought lipstick, nail polish or any kind of beauty product for ourselves, because limited funds and proximity. And while our beauty knowledge may have been lacking, the selection certainly wasn’t.
Now that we’re older and wiser and know what we’re looking for, we’ve realized the drugstore is even more of a beauty cornucopia than it seemed to us as kids. And, as always, the greatest thing about it is that you can shop without guilt, knowing you’re paying half the price for essentially the same things you’d find at Sephora, M.A.C, what have you.
This is especially true in the lipstick department, where brands like Maybelline, Revlon, Rimmel and Milani consistently churn out long-lasting, hydrating, luxury-quality formulas at a fraction of the price. To wit: supermodel Gigi Hadid swears by Maybelline — she’s even got her own co-branded line to prove it.
In an effort to bring a little clarity to your next drugstore — or, let’s be real here, Amazon.com — trip, we’ve rounded up the crème de la crème (and matte, har har) of the proverbial lipstick aisle. Above, 16 of the very best drugstore lipsticks, most of which are under $10, save for one that’s $10.39, but too good to exclude. Add ’em all to your vanity, stat. It’s good to have options.
[ Next: 10 Perfect Red Lipsticks + 10 Runway-Approved Ways to Wear Them ]
Best Drugstore Lipsticks
-
Maybelline x Gigi Hadid
Matte Lipstick in Taura, $8.99 at Maybelline
Gigi Hadid calls this not-too-pink, not-too-brown shade her perfect nude. True, finding a nude lipstick that flatters each and every skin tone is difficult AF, but this rosy taupe does work on just about anyone. To top it off, the matte-finish formula lasts around six(!) hours and won't cause dryness or flaking.
-
Burt's Bees
Lipstick in Doused Rose, $6.29 at Target
A creamy, subtle rosy shade, this Allure Best of Beauty winner and Amazon best-seller glides on smoothly, has a pretty satin finish and legit lasts all day. Plus, it's all-natural and super-moisturizing (thanks to ingredients like beeswax, moringa oil, raspberry seed oil and vitamin E), which those with perpetually chapped lips — and a tendency to mindlessly lick them — will appreciate.
-
Revlon
Ultra HD Gel Lipcolor in 765 Blossom, $7.99 at Target
This buildable, airy gel formula comes in an easy-to-use applicator, glides on smoothly, has a soothing, silky texture and delivers super-vibrant color. Try an "intimidating" hue like this dark magenta.
-
Rimmel
Lasting Finish Lip Color-Kate Moss Collection in 10, $4.12 at Amazon
It's no secret that Rimmel is a drugstore makeup hero, beloved for its under-$5, long-lasting reds. This one, for instance, has almost 600 4-star Amazon reviews. It's matte but not excessively dry, highly pigmented but won't get everywhere and very much reminds us of M.A.C's Ruby Woo.
-
Milani
Amore Matte Lip Crème in Pretty, $9 at Milani
Presenting the perfect pinkish-nude, courtesy of drugstore favorite Milani. While its subtle vanilla scent can get a little distracting throughout the day, the smooth, velvety formula can't be beat (well, at this price point, anyhow).
-
Revlon
Super Lustrous Lipstick in Choco-Liscious, $8.49 at Ulta
The 90s called, they want you to bring this gothy-glam brown back. A Revlon classic, this rich, dark chocolate hue has subtle hints of burgundy, making it supremely flattering on all skin tones.
-
No7
Stay Perfect Lipstick in Auburn Whisper, $10.39 at Walgreens
This is possibly the best drugstore lipstick we've ever encountered. One coat provides full, opaque coverage. The light, moist formula goes on incredibly smoothly, with a slight sheen that turns matte once dry. As for touch-ups, the name says it all: this flattering bright blue-based red will remain firmly in place for at least four hours.
-
Maybelline
SuperStay Matte Ink Lip Color in Heroine, $9.49 at Ulta
On days when you're feeling especially extra, this safety orange lipstick is the way to go. Of course, when dealing with colors this "fashion" (read: borderline obnoxious), clean lines, even application and long-lasting wear are crucial. Maybelline's new matte formula delivers all that in one swipe. As oranges tend to look better on sun-kissed skin, we recommend saving this one for after your next faux tan/mid-winter getaway.
-
Revlon
Ultra HD Matte Lip Color in Passion, $9.99 at Ulta
Another Allure Best of Beauty winner, this velvety, almost balm-like gel formula is a pleasure to wear. The built-in brush allows for quick, clump-free application; the formula itself is surprisingly hydrating and stays put for several hours. Two caveats: it has a slight sheen, so it's not a true matte, and the strong vanilla-mango scent does take some getting used to.
-
Essence
Matt Matt Matt Lipstick in Natural Kiss, $3.99 at Ulta
Don't let the drugstore pricetag fool you — Essence's lipsticks are serious business. This full-coverage dusty-rose shade goes on matte, doesn't feel heavy or cakey and promises several hours of wear (it can even survive a snack or two). Still, we recommend priming with a lip balm, since it's not the most hydrating.
-
Flower Beauty
Petal Pout Lip Color in Ruby Rouge, $7 at Flower Beauty
Though not the most long-lasting of the set, we appreciate its high color payoff — one swipe delivers a bold, even punch of red. Just be sure to keep the tube on hand for touch-ups.
-
L.A. Girl
Metal Liquid Lipstick in Smolder, $2.99 at Ulta
Metallic liquid lipsticks' time in the sun is nowhere near over (thank Kylie Jenner). This one's slant-tip brush makes it especially easy to apply. The metallic, light brown liquid glides on thick and creamy and dries down to a smooth, glinty finish in seconds.
-
L’Oréal Paris
Infallible Lip Paints in Nude Star, $9.99 at Ulta
On a related note, L’Oréal Paris caused a big stir last spring when it added chrome-finish hues to its widely popular Infallible Lip Paints line. But if you want something a little less trendy, this perfectly balanced rosy nude will never go out of style.
-
NYX Professional Makeup
Matte Lipstick in Aria, $5.99 at Ulta
This best drugstore lipstick is highly pigmented, glides on smoothly and doesn't smudge or budge. Plus, this vibrant violet shade is surprisingly versatile, particularly now that Pat McGrath, Rihanna, Kylie, etc. have normalized the whole high-impact lip Thing.
-
Physician's Formula
The Healthy Lip Velvet Liquid Lipstick in Nut-ritious, $7.95 at Physician's Formula
This liquid lipstick is known for its ability to weather hours of beverage-drinking. Plus, once it does start to fade, it does so evenly — no unflattering, around-the-mouth-outline here. Also, the packaging is chic as hell and totally belies the cost.
-
Maybelline
Baby Lips Color Balm Crayon in Creamy Coral, $6.99 at Ulta
This best drugstore lipstick comes in a stout, twistable crayon that makes midday/subway touch-ups a cinch. It's incredibly creamy, semi-sheer (read: yes, you must apply multiple layers, but even without a mirror you can't mess up too badly) and a fun Barbie-esque pink that'll add some pep to your winter look. (Alternatively, there are seven other color options.)
